hCG Protocol FAQs: How Much Weight Can a Person Lose in a Week?

Are you feeling anxious about losing enough weight to feel confident for an upcoming event? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to reach your goal weight to no avail? Are you willing to commit to a strict low-calorie diet for a short period of time? If so, you may be a good fit for the hCG protocol at SimplySlim Medical in Bethesda, MD. Read on to learn more.

hCG Protocol FAQs: How Much Weight Can a Person Lose in a Week? 

Your age, exercise routine, sex, starting weight, and other factors affect how much weight you will lose each week while following the hCG protocol. You can generally expect to lose seven to 14 pounds per week. However, if you are a large, heavy man and you exercise while on your very low-calorie diet, you may lose 21 pounds per week. Smaller women who don’t restrict their calories too much or exercise on the protocol may only lose 3.5 pounds per week.

How Does This Treatment Work? 

The hCG protocol works just like any other diet; it drops your calorie intake below your body’s current maintenance needs. What sets this protocol apart from other diets is that it is very easy to stick to. This treatment involves supplementing the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone to regulate your hunger cues. Furthermore, this hormone increases your metabolism significantly, so you burn more calories than you usually would.

What Are the Three Phases of the hCG Protocol? 

The three phases of the hCG protocol are the loading phase, the weight loss phase, and the maintenance phase. The loading phase of the diet involves eating whatever you want. However, if you want the weight loss phase to go as smoothly as possible, you should limit your carb intake. The weight loss phase of the diet generally lasts for three to six weeks and involves eating between 500 and 1,000 calories per day.

The maintenance phase of the hCG diet is three weeks long. Over the course of these three weeks, you will slowly increase your calorie intake. You will not be able to eat sugar or starchy foods during this time. Once the maintenance phase is over, you can start to reintroduce sugars and starches into your diet slowly or start the hCG diet over from the loading phase.

What Should You Avoid During the Loading Phase of the Diet? 

To reiterate, even though there are no restrictions during the loading phase of the hCG diet, you will find the weight loss phase a lot easier if you restrict your carb intake as much as possible. This is because your body enters a state called ketosis once it has burned through all of its glucose (carb and water) stores. People in ketosis find that their appetite is reduced significantly.

What Can You Eat During the Weight Loss Phase of the Diet? 

During the second phase of the hCG diet, you will be able to eat lean proteins, like egg whites, shrimp, white fish, and chicken breast. You will not be able to get protein from such sources as beef and visibly fatty pork. Most of your micronutrient needs will be met through low-starch vegetables, like kale, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus.

You will also be allowed to eat small portions of low-carb fruits, like grapefruit and berries. Additionally, you can enjoy water, coffee, and tea while you are on the hCG diet. However, you should not add sugar or cream to your beverages. Furthermore, you will need to limit your intake of such carb-rich foods as pasta, bread, and grains. Moreover, you should not drink juice, soda, or alcohol.

What Can You Eat During the Maintenance Phase of the Diet? 

During the third phase of the hCG diet, you can eat most whole foods. This includes vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. For instance, you could have an avocado kale smoothie or celery dipped in almond butter. Just remember that you should be increasing your calorie intake up to maintenance levels slowly. Also, remember that starchy vegetables, processed foods, and sugar should be avoided during the first 21 days following the weight loss phase.

Is This Treatment Right for Me? 

If you are in the Falls Church, VA area and interested in losing lots of weight quickly and safely, you need to attend an initial consultation with a bariatric doctor in Tysons Corner, VA. Most people who want to lose weight will be considered good candidates for this highly effective weight loss treatment. However, it is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, like heart problems or electrolyte imbalances.

Find Out Today Whether This Weight Loss Protocol Is Right for You

Individual results vary, but you may be able to lose anywhere from 3.5 to 21 pounds per week. Several factors affect how much weight you can expect to lose weekly on the hCG protocol, including your starting weight, sex, age, and exercise routine. If you are in the DMC area and ready to lose weight, contact us now at SimplySlim Medical in Bethesda, MD to find out if this protocol is right for you.